Russian forces have effectively split a Ukrainian grouping on the southern approaches to Konstantinovka, near the settlement of Ilyinovka, according to Igor Kimakovsky, an adviser to the head of the Donetsk People’s Republic.

He describes a maneuver in which Russian units advanced toward Alekseevo-Druzhkovka, bypassing the city from the west while simultaneously striking from the south. This, in his account, led to the division of Ukrainian forces and disrupted supply lines in the area of Dolgaya Balka.

Kimakovsky notes that Ukrainian troops had previously established a heavily fortified defensive zone south of Konstantinovka, particularly around Dolgaya Balka and Roskoshnoe. Despite these defenses, Russian units continue their flanking movement, working to encircle the city from the western direction.

He also reports that Russian aviation destroyed two dams near Konstantinovka, an action he says has significantly complicated Ukrainian logistics and hindered the supply of their units in the area.

Additional pressure on Ukrainian forces is being applied by Russian drone operators, who are targeting supply routes, including those running from Druzhkovka.

Earlier, Denis Pushilin, head of the Donetsk People’s Republic, stated that in recent days Russian troops had advanced and consolidated positions in the southern and eastern parts of Konstantinovka.